Footage of the moment a woman confronted two suspected burglars in her dressing gown before being subjected to an horrific attack has been released in an attempt to trace the culprits.

Northamptonshire Police said it was appealing for public help after the woman was repeatedly punched in the face in her own backyard, after two men broke in in an apparent bid to steal the family's two cars.

The attack on the brave 56-year-old woman - who was at home on her own - happened in Kettering in Northamptonshire at about 5.20pm on Friday, March 14.

Police said two men had first unsuccessfully tried to force a side door at the house in Neale Avenue, before getting in through a back door.

Inside the home, the pair took car keys and went outside - which is when the home-owner ran to confront them.

The CCTV footage shows one of the men punching the woman six times in the face and head.

The suspects then ran off into Hallwood Road, empty-handed.

Police have issued descriptions and images of two men they want to trace in connection with the incident.

Both are described as white, slim and in their early 20s, police said.

One was just under 6ft tall, and the other slightly shorter with short dark hair.

Detective Constable Greg Hemmington, who is investigating the incident, said: "This was a horrific attack on a woman in her own home, who was only trying to protect her property.

"I would like to speak to anyone who may recognise the two men pictured in the CCTV footage or who may have seen them running away."

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.